Canada Trip Day 12: Whirlpool Aero Car and Niagara Parks Floral Clock

24 June 2010 - After our boardwalk at the White Water Walk, we boarded the Peoplemover Bus to get to the Niagara Whirlpool where we get to go on a cable car named the Whirlpool Aero Car. The cable car travels over the eye of the Whirlpool where the Niagara River does a 90 degrees turn.

"The Aero car was designed by a Spanish engineer, Leonardo Torres Quevedo and has been in operation since 1916. The cable car is suspended from six sturdy cables and offers a wonderful view of the Niagara Whirlpool which is formed at the end of the rapids where the gorge turns abruptly counterclockwise and the river escapes through the narrowest channel in the gorge." - http://www.niagaraparks.com/attractions/whirlpool-aero-car.html

It was interesting watching the rapids swirl in circular motions at the whirlpool before it continues downriver after at 90 degrees. The gorge has a spectacular view of rock formations that are forest-covered and the river with its pale teal colour.

Going on the Aero Car was quite thrilling as we had to switched sides by walking around in the Aero Car after we reached Thompson's Point. The Aero Car swayed from our movements which turned some passengers weak-kneed. We were initially facing the Whirlpool and had to switch to the side that faced Whirlpool Rapids.

I am glad we decided to purchase tickets for this ride. It was a wonderful experience watching the whirlpool, which to me is a natural wonder, while getting trilled by the ride itself. It seems that they operate during winter too!

We stopped at the Niagara Parks Floral Clock for some quick pictures and ice cream before we headed back to Clifton Hill for dinner. The ice cream was absolutely fabulous on such a hot, sunny day.




Whirlpool Aero Car parked at Colt's Point

Eye of the Niagara's Whirlpool

Flowing rapids forming a whirlpool

Aero Car going over the whirlpool from Colt's Point to Thompson's Point

View of the observation deck at Whirlpool Aero Car

A funny elderly lady was right beside me in the Aero Car ride. Traveling at a snail pace, we were reaching Thompson's Point where we had to walk around in the Aero Car to get to the other side.

Thompson's Point at one end of the Aero Car ride

Devil's Hole Rapids is by the corner on the left along the river. Above the Niagara Gorge around here is where the Niagara Jet Boat Tours, Niagara Glen Nature Reserve and Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture, Sir Adam Beck Hydroelectric Station are located.

Niagara River continues on after a 90 degrees turn at the Whirlpool

Niagara River after Whirlpool Rapids, where White Water Walk is, and entering into the Whirlpool

View of the Niagara Gorge and River before the Whirlpool

Niagara Parks Floral Clock

Visitors taking pictures of the floral clock

Some tourists with one standing on top of something for a better view of the floral clock

Whirlpool Golf Course